An abutment for the dental implant process is needed regardless, unless the implant is a solid one-piece design. An abutment allows for the teeth or tooth to be connected to the implants. It is the part that sticks out of the gum.

That being said, most of the dental implants I use are a three-piece design, incorporating a removable dental implant abutment. Having this design makes for versatility in how the tooth, bridge, or overdenture is made. A disadvantage is that it is another piece in the system where failure can occur.

Some abutments are made of gold, titanium, or zirconia as three broad categories. There are also categories for the types of uses of the implants, such as:

Engaging abutments

Non-engaging abutments

Overdenture stud abutments

Waxable abutments (UCLA-type)

Healing abutments

Screw retained abutments

Cement retained abutments

Angled abutments

Custom CAD/CAM abutments

I know this all sounds confusing, but the selection, manual preparation, placement or designs of your dental implant abutments are critical to success.

In my Burbank, California office, I break down the abutments into two simple categories. These are abutments that allow the crown to be cemented, or abutments that allow the dental implant crown to be held in by a screw. The screw itself sometimes can be a disadvantage because it is the smallest piece in the system. Although not often, the screw can break or loosen.

Most dental implant abutments are screwed into the implant and “torque” into place. Others are a type of press fit called a morse taper, or a combo of screws and press fits. The tightness of the connection of your abutment to the implant is one determinant whether you will lose bone around your dental implant.

Your implant dentist should have a strong understanding of when to use which abutment, and where to use each type. It should NEVER be one recipe for all patients and situations. Many dentists rely on the lab to choose the abutments; this is never a good idea, and often results in a much higher cost for you.

Ramsey A. Amin, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry
Fellow– American Academy of Implant Dentistry

It is not a good idea to use a tiny implant. If it is short it should be wide to compensate or be connected to another implant. 8mm would be short but there are even shorter ones that really aren’t useful unless there are a few of them in a row connected.

Dr. Amin,
I just wanted to thank you for having such patient friendly info on your site. You tell it like it is and you are genuine. My name is Amy. I have done extensive research for the right dentist for my implants…very happy to have found you. I am looking forward to you fixing my missing tooth smile.

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About Ramsey A. Amin, DDS

Dr. Ramsey Amin has extensive
experience in surgical and
restorative implant dentistry.
As one of only less than 400
Diplomates of the American
Board of Oral Implantology/
Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID)
he is considered an expert,
and board-certified in dental
implants. He is a former
instructor at the UCLA School
of Dentistry.

This website provides dental information and is intended only to assist users in their personal search for a dentist. You are urged to seek the advice & consultation of a professional before undergoing any procedure. This site is intended for use only by healthy adult individuals. The site is not intended for use by minors, or individuals with any type of health condition. Such individuals are specifically warned to seek professional medical advice prior to undergoing any dental procedure.